Disha Shah Ghosh - Mumbai Spanish hotel chain NH Hotels, part of Minor Hotels, with a strong footprint in Europe and Americas, is expanding its presence in the larger Asia Pacific region, with its latest hotel set to open in Dubai. Provided with the right opportunity, the four-decade old hotel company is open to the idea of opening a property in India.
Talking to TravelBiz Monitor during the Mumbai leg of its recent three-city roadshow in India, Diana Marin Acosta, Sr VP Sales & Distribution, NH Hotel Group, said, “India has always been an important market for us, but as of 2021, it is one of the fastest growing markets after the Middle East and Australia. We are expanding in Malaysia, Australia and China, and India is also on our radar since it would be the best way to expand in this market. Our owner is willing to explore potential opportunities here.”
From India, while Mumbai and New Delhi are important source markets, Acosta said they are keen to tap other metros and Tier 2 cities since the opportunity in a vast and diverse country of India is huge.
Moreover, weddings and the film industry, especially Bollywood are their important target segments. “We have a strong value proposition for the entertainment industry in our destinations.” She went on to say, “The slowdown of China and Russia has impacted bookings for Europe. And India has the wider potential to grow. We are trying to push governments in Europe and facilitate visas, because it is a huge issue currently for travel to Europe.”
Talking about the roadshow, held in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, she said that they are surprised by the popularity of NH Collection hotels in India. “We have a strategic agreement with our Indian partner, and are here to elevate the partnerships with wholesalers and tour operators.”
